All you can eat doesn't mean all you should eat

[bcla]

I got lured into Applebee's by their current all you can eat special on riblets, boneless wings (well more like glorified sauced chicken tenders), and fried shrimp. When I got there I verified that it did mean that I could get refills for all three items (and their varieties) and was told yes. For $14.99 and tax it seemed like a good deal. At least until I got the first full plate.

I mean - the price was actually lower than that of the regular entree price - at least where I was. But after finishing the initial plate with fries, I was already starting to feel full. And I had actually eaten minimally all day in anticipation. The refills were all pretty small though. They were on 5 inch round plates. I think my shrimp refill had something like 6 fried shrimp with cocktail sauce. Then one try at some boneless wings and I was done. I was feeling regret at that point.

I'm wondering who actually eats that much as to make something like this worthwhile. I do remember when I used to play pickup games at an open gym I could eat massive quantities, but that was years ago.

 

[Squirlz]

I don't need to eat there, I have a perfectly good microwave at home.

 

[Living42Day]

We went to Country Buffet one time with relatives from out of town and this little girl from a few booths down shouted, "My dad is on his 5th plate!". Super embarrassing for the dad, but obviously there are some people who can eat a lot in one sitting.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Football players.

 

[Smugpugmug]

All of their food is microwaved trash, so I don't need to go there lol

 

[JLTraveling]

My uncle was 6'2", solid muscle, fitness nut. To the point that when he joined the Marines, he said bootcamp was like playtime. He regularly got himself kicked out of all you can eat places for eating too much!

I've never been remotely like that. I usually order an appetizer or share an entree, because I can't eat much at all in one sitting.

 

[tvguy]

About the time I turned 60 I began to appreciate the smaller portioned, smaller prices senior menu items.

 

[Praying Colonel]

IMHO that's a cardinal rule of adulting: I need to know (and execute) the difference between "can" and "should."

 

[BrianL]

We went to Country Buffet one time with relatives from out of town and this little girl from a few booths down shouted, "My dad is on his 5th plate!". Super embarrassing for the dad, but obviously there are some people who can eat a lot in one sitting.

I might do five plates at a buffet, but I don't fill them up that much. The plates tend to be small, so I will only get a couple things because I don't want them all jammed together. It's pbobably like two full plates for most people - sometimes I see folks walking back to their table with a precarious pile of food - you can go back you know!

 

[bcla]

I might do five plates at a buffet, but I don't fill them up that much. The plates tend to be small, so I will only get a couple things because I don't want them all jammed together. It's pbobably like two full plates for most people - sometimes I see folks walking back to their table with a precarious pile of food - you can go back you know!

Last Thanksgiving I did a buffet dinner at a tribal casino since the family units (immediate and parental) were elsewhere. I actually managed to pound down something like 15 oz of prime rib and 6 oz of turkey along with who knows what else. But I avoided the fried foods. Those just balloon in ones stomach. I was thinking that experience might have been similar enough to Applebee's, but it didn't quite work out. I think part of it would be the side of fries on the initial plate. As much as I hear the ragging about their "food" - they have decent casual dining fries.

 

[cheryl.UK]

In my family, buffets are known as 'all you can manage' and my husband can manage a lot!!!

 

[luvnwdwgal]

I don’t do buffets at all or any “all you can eat” specials. Just not worth it for me as I just can’t eat that much at one meal anymore. Think it’s an age thing. As far as Applebee’s goes, no thanks. Not a fan of their food. We’ve tried them a few times. Always tried something different and were never happy with our meals. We have quit going.

 

[MillauFr]

I'm waiting for the $14.99 all you can eat buffet at the French Laundry.

 

[jo-jo]

I might do five plates at a buffet, but I don't fill them up that much. The plates tend to be small, so I will only get a couple things because I don't want them all jammed together. It's pbobably like two full plates for most people - sometimes I see folks walking back to their table with a precarious pile of food - you can go back you know!

Most times my first plate is a dab of 6 different things. Second round, more of the four I like, third plate bit more of the favorite one. DH would have one plate of 17 items.
so my three plates would equal 1/2 of his one plate.

 

[Colleen27]

I just saw that ad and thought about taking my boys. They're 25 and 22 and they get every penny's worth out of AYCE. They're also the only ones in the family who actually *like* Applebees, so they'd think it was a generous night out on my dime.

 

[5kidsmommy]

When my husband and I go to Applebees, we tend to share appetizers as a meal. We learned long ago to manage our portions, otherwise we regret it later.

 

[willowsnn3]

My daughter & I actually went to Applebee's tonight for this deal. I first ordered the riblets (3) & she ordered the shrimp (6). Comes with cole slaw & fries but there was no cole slaw but we didn't complain or ask for them to bring some out. Then we both ordered a second & third order of the boneless wings (5 to an order). Sounds like a lot but portions were small. The boneless wings were great but about the size of a chicken nugget. The riblets, one was a decent size, the other two were skimpy. Daughter said the shrimp was awful & only ate 3 of them. Fries were amazing!
We go sometimes on Mondays when they have their burgers with endless fries special. Burgers are great & as I mentioned earlier their fries are amazing.
And yes, I am stuffed.

 

[kdonnel]

Buffett advice

 

[Turn the Page]

IMHO that's a cardinal rule of adulting: I need to know (and execute) the difference between "can" and "should."

We have long had a saying in my family. On special occasions, ie: your birthday/anniversaries/holidays, etc you can have a gut ache if you want one. I am 39 and have now come to the conclusion that I don't want one. No matter the occassion, I don't want a gut ache. It is just not worth it.

 

[Praying Colonel]

BTW, all this buffet/can/should stuff is timely for me. I'm getting ready to go on a cruise Saturday, and the breakfast buffet is one of my favorite things.